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Monday, October 15, 2012

Why I Love Where I Live

I never EVER thought I would say I like living in New Jersey. I was a New York City kid. Born and bred in Brooklyn, New York. I went to high school in Manhattan (to the High School of Performing Arts, or the "Fame" school), and then lived in Manhattan through college and law school. When I got married at 28 and moved to New Jersey, I didn't even have a driver's license! For months I rode around on a bicycle like Elmira Gulch in the Wizard of Oz. But then, winter came, it snowed, and I had to learn how to drive!

But I've come to love where I live, and here's why:

I'm only 15 miles from New York - so I can go "home" anytime I want to.;

Glen Ridge is small -- only around 6000 people. Everyone knows everyone's business, which is sometimes what I don't like. However when something bad happens, everyone comes together;

the town is very pretty -- many different styles of homes, wide sidewalks, pretty gardens;

both of my daughters were born here;

my block is great -- wonderful families and I love my house and garden;

it's only one hour to our lake community, Pine Lake;

we're only 20 minutes from Newark International Airport so traveling is very easy;

we're 1 hour from the beach -- the Jersey Shore!;

I'm less than one hour from all of my immediate family;

the neighboring towns have great restaurants;

I've made wonderful friends here.

great parks, nearby hiking; fun town events, lots of trees, and my town is famous for its gas lamps!

An example of the town banding together - sadly: Last Tuesday, a high school senior died of an accident. The town has come together for his family and peers in the most loving, supportive way. I did not know him, but I knew his stepsister and many of his classmates. I created this artwork for his family:

25 comments:

Jessica! I really love both of these, so much! The first one is so whimsical and fabulous - great journaling! I love your lamp post. And the second one is so moving. Just perfect for the song Linda picked!

Thank you for sharing about your community. I love the color background on the Glen Ridge piece and adore the lamp post. I don't know why, but I like towns with lamp posts. Adds a certain charm to a streetscape, even if it's quaint. Yours with all the doodles is whimsical.

Lovely piece you made for the family. It's always a heartbreak when those accidents happen, too often....I love your list about where you live. WE should all think about the good things we take for granted. I love where I live too! xox

Okay, so weird, I was talking with a woman who went to the High School for the Performing Arts today at the coffee shop! Small world.

I love small towns and I love lakes. I've become convinced small towns are really good for us ... (well, the exception being NYC, but it's neighborhoods there, which are a similar thing.) Your art is lovely.

And while tragedy is horrible, people coming together helps a bit. I miss that.

Loved haring about your town and seeing your illustration to go with it... the colours are just perfect...and there must be great comfort in a town coming together when a tragedy strikes... I am it helps the family...xx